Do you think you may be pregnant? Do you know that you are pregnant? Perhaps you are considering getting pregnant soon. Whatever the case, there are some things that you need to consider. This article is specifically tailored to concerns that need to be addressed during the first trimester. Continue reading to learn more about what you need to do to have the best pregnancy possible.

If you want to know for certain whether or not you are pregnant, there are a number of home pregnancy tests on the market. Many of these boast of high accuracy rates, some even before you miss your first period.

After this initial confirmation, you should schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN. Let them know about the suspected pregnancy when you call. If you do not have an OB-GYN, ask friends and family who they would recommend. This individual guides you through pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable with your choice.

Before you go to the appointment, make certain that you have as much family medical history as possible. Ask the women in your family about their pregnancies and any complications they may have suffered. Write it all down so that you can easily recall it when you get to your OB-GYN. Don’t forget other significant family history, such as heart conditions and diabetes. This information can help your doctor advise you.

Pay attention to what you are eating. Make certain that you get the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. You should also drink plenty of water every day. While your body does need additional calories during pregnancy, do not make the mistake of thinking you can eat whatever you want. Strive for a healthy consumption pattern.

Some women experience nausea during this time and find eating difficult. If you find that you are experiencing morning sickness, keep some crackers and ginger handy. Both are known to help reduce these symptoms.

Don’t forget about folic acid. Many products are fortified with it to ensure that pregnant women have adequate amounts. Insufficient amounts of folic acid have been linked to certain birth defects.

Related to diet, you should also look at any chemicals you are consuming and how they may effect your unborn baby. Tobacco products, alcohol and street drugs should all be eliminated if you consume them. Other things to look at include caffeine, energy drinks, and medications. Talk to your doctor about any prescription medicines and any natural over-the-counter treatments you may be taking. You may even want to take all of the bottles with you to your first OB-GYN appointment and discuss them with your doctor.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time that is filled with intense changes for your entire being. Not only does it include lifestyle alterations, your entire physical being undergoes a transformation to prepare for the new baby. By following the suggestions in this article, you can help to create the healthiest and safest environment for your unborn child. Above all, remember to enjoy each moment of your pregnancy.

]]>Ways to Make it Through Your First Trimesterhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/ways-to-make-it-through-your-first-trimester/
Thu, 05 Feb 2015 10:49:35 +0000http://localhost/pst31/ways-to-make-it-through-your-first-trimester/

Learning that you are expecting starts a clock of slightly less than 40 weeks ticking until your life changes beyond what you can imagine. That may sound like a long time, but you’ll find that the added stresses of your new life are causing you to freak out. However, the more you can get done during your first trimester, the smoother the later parts of the pregnancy will be. Take a look at the tips in this article to help you get started.

It’s never too soon to start buying maternity clothes. You might think that you can wait until you need them, but you’ll be surprised at the number of sales that will have ended the week before your jeans no longer fit. Go ahead and lay away what you think you will need. Don’t be overly proud; remember, they’re called maternity clothes because you’ll never need them again once the baby is here. There are many styles that will look cute, no matter what your body does. And when you are pregnant, just having the baby inside you will make you look beautiful, even if you don’t feel that way.

Start a journal so that you can write down all of the experiences that you felt and had during your first trimester. Time will get away from you before you have time to write it down later, and many of your memories will fade, so write them down when you have them. Take ten minutes each day to sit down and reflect, and that way when your daughter is 14 years old and is screaming at you, you can later go and sit down and read about the wonders of that first trimester. It is memories like that which will sustain you as a mother.

There are many groups with other mothers-to-be in your area that you can join for some support. Some are formed through local churches or other religious communities, but you can also check with your local recreation center, as many of them have parenting support groups for new mothers. This way, you can meet people who are going through the same changes that you are. Some of them may have gone through the experiences before you did, so they can help you learn how to deal with them.

Remember that it’s always easy to stress out. Instead, intentionally make opportunities for yourself to relax. This could be the time when you sit and write with your journal, or it could be a ten-minute window in the middle of your morning at work. Either way, you are helping yourself establish a healthy rhythm of taking care of yourself.

Make a regular habit of exercising. This doesn’t mean you need to go run six miles a day, necessarily. It does mean that you need 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five or six days a week.

Pregnancy is not enjoyable for everyone, particularly some of the aspects related to your health. However, these tips will help you get into the first trimester smoothly.

]]>What You Need To Know About The Second Trimester If You’re Expectinghttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-second-trimester-if-youre-expecting/
Thu, 05 Feb 2015 02:17:01 +0000http://localhost/pst31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-second-trimester-if-youre-expecting/

Whether you are pregnant for the first time, or have had many children, there is always something new to learn about your pregnancy. As the years go by technology allows doctors to learn more and more about a growing fetus, so rest assured that you, nor the doctors, know it all. If you are interested in learning as much as you can about the second trimester, you have found the perfect article for you.

You will be able to learn the sex of your baby during your second trimester. This is important to know, as you should decide before that time as to whether or not you want to know. You should also know that even if you do not want to know now, but change your mind later, your doctor will be able to tell you. This is because the doctor will take note of the baby’s sex in their records, if it is something that they were able to determine during the ultrasound. Due to the baby’s position, it’s possible that the doctor will be unable to determine the sex of the baby. Be prepared for this to happen, as it happens quite often.

Your belly will do a great deal of growing during this time. During the first three months your shape will change very little, but by the second trimester, the baby will begin to growing at a very fast rate. This is because it only six months left to reach a healthy weight of six pounds. If you have not yet begun to do so, you should start acquiring a maternity wardrobe.

Tight fitting clothing that does not make enough room for the baby can be hazardous to your health and hinder your baby’s growth. There are pants available that can stretch as you grow so that you do not have to buy a new pair each month. If you find that you are not able to find affordable maternity wear, you should look into consignment and resale shops. There really is no good reason to spend a lots of money on clothes that you will only use for a few months.

Visit your doctor once a month, as they request. It is just as important now as it was in the beginning to see your doctor on a regular basis. There are a lot of tests that are done during the second trimester that can save the life of you and your baby as long as they are done. Missing appointments now can easily lead to regret later. If you can not afford the doctor you should look into getting health insurance from your county, as they consider being pregnant as the most important time to get health care.

As you read at the start of this article, it does not matter how many children you have had, there is always something new to learn about the progression of a pregnancy. Use the tips above, and keep learning so that you can be in control of having a healthy pregnancy.

]]>Surviving the First Trimester of Your Pregnancyhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/surviving-the-first-trimester-of-your-pregnancy/
Wed, 04 Feb 2015 06:28:41 +0000http://localhost/pst31/surviving-the-first-trimester-of-your-pregnancy/From morning sickness to swollen ankles, the hormonal changes that go along with the first three months of pregnancy can produce a wide variety of challenges. It is important to remember that these trying times are transient and you should do your best to enjoy every minute of it. Before you know it, you will be facing a whole new set of challenges as your second trimester begins.

Some women outgrow their normal clothes before missing their first period while others have no noticeable physical changes until well into the second trimester. To avoid having to wear your significant other’s overgrown t-shirts, buy some cute maternity clothes early on. Purchase clothing in several sizes to accommodate an ever growing belly. Early on in your pregnancy, you may go from one size to the next overnight so it is always best to be prepared.

Although it may feel like the first trimester is lasting for ever, it will be over all too quickly. For this reason, take pictures of your changing body and keep a journal chronicling your entire experience. Not only will this give you lasting memories, it may be helpful in knowing what to expect in subsequent pregnancies.

Visit your doctor at least once a month. Your obstetrician will probably order an ultrasound to help determine your due date. Your doctor will give you guidelines regarding weight gain throughout your pregnancy. During your first visit, your doctor will probably order a blood test. This blood test will screen for anemia, check for immunity to certain communicable diseases and determine your blood type and Rh factor. It is important to attend all scheduled medical appointments during your entire pregnancy.

In most cases, it is beneficial to continue exercising during your pregnancy. However, you must avoid contact sports, spend more time warming up and cooling down and listen to your body. Talk to your doctor to ensure that you have no known risk factors that may be made worse by aerobic exercise. Low-impact aerobic exercises are best for pregnant women. Regular exercise can help relieve tension, stabilize emotions and alleviate fatigue and morning sickness.

If you experience nausea, try eating small, low-fat meals several times a day. This will help you avoid getting too full and experiencing sudden drops or spikes in your blood sugar. Food that is high in fat takes longer to digest so you may feel fuller longer, experience heartburn and feel nauseous more often. Eat a variety of foods that will help keep you and your baby healthy. A prenatal vitamin is a must. Your body will rob itself of necessary nutrients to provide for the baby so a vitamin designed specifically for pregnant women will ensure that you and your baby have the necessary vitamins and minerals.

The first trimester is a vital time for your growing baby. These tips can help you enjoy the first three months of your pregnancy and reduce some of the negative side effects. Your new baby will be here before you know it, so use this time to get some extra rest and pamper yourself.

]]>Pregnancy By Trimesterhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/pregnancy-by-trimester/
Wed, 04 Feb 2015 02:47:59 +0000http://localhost/pst31/pregnancy-by-trimester/The nine months that you are going to be pregnant are going to mean big changes for your body. These months are broken up into three trimesters. Each trimester carries its own symptoms, tests and scheduled doctor’s visits. To learn more about what to expect during the different trimesters continue reading.

Your first trimester will last for the first thirteen weeks or the first three months. This time could be the most difficult time for you to make it through. You will likely experience morning sickness, exhaustion and mood swings. During this time, you will need to be seen by your OB for a thorough exam.

Your doctor will order blood work and urinalysis. You will also be sent for an ultra sound for what is called the viability scan. Your doctor will be looking into the measurements of the baby to determine the estimated due date and to learn if the baby is developing healthily. You will only need to be seen by your doctor once a month during this time as long as everything is looking good.

Your second trimester includes weeks fourteen through twenty-six or the third through six months. For most women, this is the most enjoyable time of the pregnancy. For many, morning sickness is becoming a thing of the past, energy levels are increasing and the risk of miscarriage are reduced drastically. During this trimester, you will continue to see your doctor only once a month unless you run into any problems.

Your doctor will order another ultra sound to check the measurements and anatomy of the baby. This is the ultra sound that will allow you to learn the gender of your baby. This test is often ordered between eighteen and twenty-two weeks. There is a good chance that you will have to repeat this ultra sound. Your baby may not be in a good position for the technician to get good images of all of the organs and structure of the baby. If this happens, you will be called to schedule another ultra sound.

Your third trimester is probably the most exciting and yet the most uncomfortable. It includes weeks twenty-seven through forty or months seven through nine. It may seem like the longest three months of your pregnancy. You will be carrying around a lot of extra weight, suffer from heartburn and back aches, have a difficult time sleeping and just be all around achy. Your appointments with your doctor will change to bi-weekly until you reach thirty-six weeks and from then on will be weekly.

Expect a glucose test to be ordered around twenty-nine weeks. You will go to the lab, drink a bottle of orange flavored liquid and wait an hour before a blood draw. This test helps the doctor determine if you have developed gestational diabetes and will be able to treat you if you did. At week thirty-six, your doctor will begin doing pelvic exams to learn if your cervix is readying for delivery.

You now know what to expect during the three trimesters of your pregnancy. Do your best to enjoy the time you are forming a new life inside of you. It is one of the biggest events of your life and will remember it forever.

]]>Pregancy: Beyond The First Trimesterhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/pregancy-beyond-the-first-trimester/
Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:43:16 +0000http://localhost/pst31/pregancy-beyond-the-first-trimester/Most women know what they are going to face during the first trimester of pregnancy. The biggest change will be morning sickness. Not much else will be noticeable until the woman enters the second trimester. Below, you will find some examples of what to expect during the months beyond the first trimester.

Oftentimes, once you enter your second trimester, the exhaustion and the morning sickness will not be as noticeable. The next three months are likely going to be your most enjoyable during the pregnancy. Try to take advantage of feeling good and get some things done to prepare for the baby. Get the nursery ready, wash their clothes and do all of the shopping for the things they will need once they arrives.

If you haven’t done so already, start shopping for your maternity clothes. You will not need to buy an entire wardrobe if you carefully select the pieces that you purchase. Try to find things that will work well together so you can mix and match them all together. Soon, your regular clothes will not fit and you will be thankful that you have some maternity clothes to wear when you leave the house.

As your pregnancy progresses, you will be required to make more trips to the doctor for regular check ups. You will also need to undergo a glucose test and an additional ultra sound. The glucose test requires you to simply drink an orange flavored drink, wait at the lab for an hour and then have a blood draw done. This will allow the doctor to see if you have developed gestational diabetes. The ultra sound is meant to check the development of the baby. They will check the anatomy, do several measurements and examine the organs.

Your doctor will listen to the baby’s heartbeat at each appointment. It is a wonderful thing for mothers to get to hear the beat of their baby’s heart at every appointment. Your doctor will also measure your belly to be sure that your baby is growing at a healthy rate.

Before you reach the midpoint of your third trimester, you will want to have a complete birth plan. This plan should consist of everything from the routes to the hospital, who will be in the labor room with you and whether or not you would like pain relieving medications during labor. Be aware that there is a good chance that you will have to make changes to your plan as your labor progresses. Not every labor goes as planned, so be sure to have a back up plan and be ready to accept changes that have to be made.

You are likely to experience many more changes than just the ones listed above, but you are now better prepared for your next few months. Keep these facts in mind as your pregnancy progresses and never be afraid to ask your doctor any questions that you have when you have them. He is there to assist you through this time and will happily do so.

]]>How To Handle The Transitions And Changes Of Your Pregnancy Going Into The Second Trimesterhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/how-to-handle-the-transitions-and-changes-of-your-pregnancy-going-into-the-second-trimester/
Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:05:36 +0000http://localhost/pst31/how-to-handle-the-transitions-and-changes-of-your-pregnancy-going-into-the-second-trimester/During your second trimester of pregnancy, you are going to experiences a lot of changes and different feelings than you dealt with during the first three months. While each woman and her experience with pregnancy is different, there are many things that are standard and common which we will address here.

During your scheduled ultrasound, the fundal height of the baby will be measured. This will determine whether the baby is growing correctly, and if any other potential abnormalities or conditions may be present in the baby. While you may have already had some tests done for downs syndrome and the like, this measurement will check for accuracy as well as determine the accuracy of your due date.

Now that you have entered your second trimester, chances are that you cannot physically hide your pregnancy anymore. Your pants are too tight, your shirts show off your baby bump and chances are, you are looking for something more comfortable. Now is the time to really start shopping for maternity clothes. Whether you collect them as hand-me-downs from other moms, shop the local thrift store circuit or choose to purchase new from retail stores, you need to keep several things in mind.

You should continue to wear your usual size, just in maternity instead of regular womens sizes. If you wore a size 8 pant before, you should still wear that same size, unless you have put on an above normal amount of weight.

Often times pregnant women find that skirts and dresses become more comfortable than anything else because they don’t fall down, and allow them room to move freely. While shirts may fit you well now, as your belly grows, it will be harder and harder to find shirts that are long enough to cover you. Getting some long tank tops or belly bands will ensure that you can continue to wear your cute shirts through the end of your pregnancy.

At all of your doctors visits your blood pressure and weight will be regularly checked. While many women experience morning sickness during their first trimester, weight gain doesn’t usually start until the second trimester. Now your doctor will want to make sure that you are staying within a normal range.

Your blood pressure can be an indicator of pre eclampsia or other conditions common during pregnancy. For this reason they will want to check it anytime you are seen by the nurse or the physician.

The heart rate of the fetus will also be measured frequently. As with blood pressure, it can be a great tool to understand what is going on with the health of the baby, as well as you. Keeping an eye on this number will allow your doctor to make sure that things are going smoothly.

If you haven’t already done it, consider writing down your birthing plan. A birthing plan is something that you can give to the hospital which outlines your wishes for childbirth as well as telling them things you definitely do NOT want to happen. Things like epidural use, drugs, and c-sections are all common things to talk about. Many women also plan out simple things like wanting dim lighting, or soothing music playing.

These middle months of a woman’s pregnancy are full of change. They can be physically and mentally taxing and knowing what you are experiencing is normal can make a great difference to you. Get a plan together for your birth, know what changes are in store and try to enjoy the ride as much as possible

]]>Getting Through The First Trimesterhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/getting-through-the-first-trimester/
Mon, 02 Feb 2015 07:47:16 +0000http://localhost/pst31/getting-through-the-first-trimester/Getting the news that you are going to have a baby in nine short months can be the most exciting yet frightening news you may get in your lifetime. Preparing for the arrival of your baby can be stressful and confusing unless you have a good idea of what all needs to be done. Use the information below to begin creating a plan of preparation for your baby.

It is never too soon to start buying maternity clothes. Oftentimes, if you start buying things in a retail store as soon as you find out that you are pregnant, you can get them at great prices as the seasons will be changing and the clothing going on sale. Search consignment shops and online classifieds and auctions to find pre-owned articles at great prices.

Buy a journal and write about your experience daily. Even if you are the most miserable pregnant in the history of childbearing, you will appreciate being able to look back and reflect on this time many years down the road. You will also be able to use the journal as a way to keep track of your weight gain, symptoms and progress of the pregnancy. This information may be helpful during your doctor’s appointments helping you remember the questions you have for your doctor.

You may not like the idea of having a big belly, but there is a good chance that you will want to reminisce in the future. Keep a picture log of your growing belly. Take a photo each week of your pregnancy and include them in your journal.

Find online forums or mommy groups to join in your area. You can use this group to get the answers to the many questions that you will have over the next several months. You may even develop relationships with other mothers that you will cherish for long after the babies are born.

Sit down and put your feet up often. You will need more rest than normal if you are going to get through this time. Exhaustion is especially common during the first and third trimesters. Getting an adequate amount of rest will help you feel better when you are up.

Do not neglect going to your doctor appointments. It is crucial that you receive the best prenatal care throughout the pregnancy. Your doctor must monitor your weight, growth and blood pressure among other things. When the doctor orders tests or imaging, do not avoid having it done. You want to be sure that you and your baby are healthy during the entire nine months and these tests will assist you in knowing this.

Get some kind of exercise each day. Even if you are just getting out for a walk through the park or around the block, that increase in blood flow will help your circulation. Exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your muscles in good shape to assist in delivery and help the baby drop into position during the third trimester.

Now that you know a little more than before about what you are about to go through, you can sit back and enjoy the time you have with your baby developing inside you.

]]>First Trimester Advice You Should Know Abouthttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/first-trimester-advice-you-should-know-about/
Mon, 02 Feb 2015 05:29:48 +0000http://localhost/pst31/first-trimester-advice-you-should-know-about/During pregnancy, the first trimester can be one of the most trying times. You may be uncomfortable and feel sick often. But, there are certain things you can do to help ease some of your discomfort. Learn about these things in the following article.

Write down everything you are feeling, both good and bad, in a journal. When you feel something uncomfortable, write down what you were doing at that time. Having this information documented can help you figure out which things you should avoid doing during your first trimester. Just be sure to see your doctor if you are in severe pain or discomfort, as there could be a serious problem.

Get together with other expectant mothers. Pregnancy can sometimes make you feel alone and as if know one else knows what you are going through. When you spend time with other pregnant women, you can discuss the changes to your body, mood, and other things you may be experiencing. This may help your mental state.

It is important that you get as much rest and sleep as you can during your first trimester. This is the time during pregnancy when you will probably feel most tired. It’s good that you listen to your body and sleep whenever you can. If you cannot sleep much, at least put your feet up and relax often.

Keep an eye on your weight. Being pregnant may make you want to eat, eat, eat. This is not very advisable. Gaining weight is unfavorable, but for a pregnant woman, it can cause an array of issues from gestational diabetes to pre-eclampsia. Control your weight by eating healthy foods.

Always go to your doctor’s appointments. It’s important that you see your OBGYN, even if you do not have any problems. They will take measurements, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, do blood work and many other things. These things are crucial, both for the health of you and your baby.

Many women feel that being pregnant means they should not exercise; this could not be further from the truth. In fact, exercising when pregnant, especially during the first trimester, is helpful for keeping your weight under control. Just be aware that there are some exercises you should avoid during pregnancy if you have other health problems. Ask your doctor if you are unsure of which exercises are safe for you.

Know what you can and cannot take during your first trimester of pregnancy. The first three months are the most important months, as this is when the baby’s most critical development takes place. So, you need to stop drinking, smoking, and taking certain medications. Your doctor can tell you which medicines are safe and which ones you should avoid.

As mentioned at the beginning of this piece, the first three months of pregnancy can be the most trying time. But, there are certain things you can to ease some of these negative aspects. Use the advice from this article to have an enjoyable first trimester and pregnancy, in general.

]]>Changes in Your Baby During the Second Trimesterhttp://www.ninemonthstobaby.com/changes-in-your-baby-during-the-second-trimester/
Sun, 01 Feb 2015 05:36:48 +0000http://localhost/pst31/changes-in-your-baby-during-the-second-trimester/A fetus is one of the most amazing things in the world. In less than a year, it grows from a microscopic egg into a full sized baby. During this time a great deal of the change happens during the second trimester. If you are pregnant, know someone who is or considering getting pregnant you are likely interested in the development process. Read below to learn what happens in this short three month period known as the second trimester.

The fetus will grow very quickly during the second trimester. During this time, your stomach will go from being a small bump into being an obvious baby bump. If you have not yet shopped for maternity clothes, this is the time to get started. Maternity clothes will allow you to be comfortable during your pregnancy and will give your baby more room to grow. Tight fitting clothing can restrict blood flow and in extreme circumstances cause harm to your baby. It is important to remember that being pregnant is a beautiful thing and that by no means are you getting fat. Instead, embrace the growth and find clothing that helps you to feel beautiful during this wonderful time in your life.

This is the time that you become prone to developing stretch marks. Due to the fact that they baby and your belly are growing very quickly, it can be very hard for your skin to keep up. To help your skin to not form stretch marks, you should be sure to drink plenty of water each day. You will also want to apply lotion to your belly and thighs a few times a day so that is does not dry out. Dry, itchy skin is a sign that you may develop stretch marks. Heed the warning and apply a lotion that contains Shea butter or cocoa butter. The more you do for your skin now the less likely it will be that you will have scars to remind you that you are a mommy.

You get to learn the sex of your baby, that is, if you want to. During the second trimester, the baby’s genitals will become prominent enough to be visible on an ultrasound. This can be very exciting for both parents, but sometimes only for one parent. Before this time comes, which is usually around 28 weeks, you should discuss with your partners as to whether or not you want to know or be surprised about the sex of your baby. The last thing that you want is to be ready to learn the baby’s sex only for your partner to say “No” when then doctor asks. Being prepared can go a long way to avoid disappointment in this area.

The article above gave you a taste of the big changes that come during the second trimester. Due to the fact that pregnancy is such an eventful time, there is a lot more that you can learn about it if you continue to research the topic. So think about what you have read and continue to learn more if you are still intrigued.